What term describes the liquid portion of wastewater from soil absorption systems?

What term describes the liquid portion of wastewater from soil absorption systems?

• A. Sludge
• B. Effluent
• C. Septage
• D. Scum

Answer: (B)

In soil absorption systems, wastewater is separated into three parts: a scum layer on top, a sludge layer at the bottom, and the liquid in the middle. The liquid portion that flows from the tank into the soil absorption field is called effluent. Sludge refers to the settled solids at the bottom, septage is the pumped mixture of sludge and scum, and scum is the fats and oils that float on top. Therefore, effluent is the correct term for the liquid portion.

In soil absorption systems, wastewater is separated into three parts: a scum layer on top, a sludge layer at the bottom, and the liquid in the middle. The liquid portion that flows from the tank into the soil absorption field is called effluent. Sludge refers to the settled solids at the bottom, septage is the pumped mixture of sludge and scum, and scum is the fats and oils that float on top. Therefore, effluent is the correct term for the liquid portion.